Tirupati: Thotapalligudur police in Nellore district have arrested a 42-year-old man on charges of abducting and repeatedly raping his minor step-daughter over a two-day period.
According to additional superintendent of police Ch. Soujanya, the victim's mother P. Shanti is a daily wage worker from Venkannapalem in TP Gudur mandal. She had divorced her first husband and married Kommi Mallikarjuna of Kanigiri mandal in Prakasam district three years ago.
Due to marital discord, Shanti separated from Mallikarjuna and had been living separately with her children. On June 29, the accused lured his step-daughter and took her away. Her mother registered a case with TP Gudur police on June 30.
Following this, police formed a special team under the supervision of Nellore Town and Rural DSP, CI, and TP Gudur SI Jampani Kumar. Using technical evidence, the team traced the accused in a forested area of Balli panchayat. They rescued the minor girl and reunited her with her mother.
Investigations revealed that the accused had lured the girl from her school in Mahalakshmipuram on June 29. He took her to a secluded forest area on his motorcycle. He sexually assaulted her that night and on two subsequent occasions. Police arrested Mallikarjuna on Thursday under various sections, including POCSO Act.
